Accreditation Training Requirements

Accreditation Training Requirements. A. Training Providers. Pursuant to Section 37-138-27 of the Mississippi Code, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning designated Mississippi State University (MSU) to offer all accreditation training courses set forth in these regulations. MSU has certified in writing to the Commission that it is currently offering all such training courses. After November 1, 1990, all such training courses offered by MSU shall meet the requirements of the Model Plan, 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart E, Appendix C, which is incorporated herein and adopted by reference except as otherwise noted. MSU has certified in writing to the EPA and Commission that all training courses offered meet the requirements of the Model Plan. The Commission has received such written certification by MSU and has approved the training courses offered by MSU as meeting the requirements for accreditation training under these regulations. The only training courses offered within the geographic boundaries of the State of Mississippi that will be approved by the Commission as meeting accreditation requirements under these regulations are those offered by MSU and worker courses conducted that are approved by the Commission in accordance with Section 37-138-7, Mississippi Code Annotated. All state programs duly authorized by EPA and EPA-approved training courses offered outside of the geographic boundaries of the State of Mississippi and approved by the Commission will meet accreditation training requirements under these regulations. Each applicant who submits proof of the successful completion of an applicable EPA-approved training course shall also provide proof of EPA approval of such training course. B. Initial Training. Each individual applying for an initial certificate shall have attended and successfully completed (a) an applicable initial training course approved by the Commission or (b) an initial training course offered outside the geographic boundaries of the State of Mississippi approved by EPA or a state program duly authorized by EPA for the appropriate discipline for which the initial certificate is requested within one (1) year prior to application. However, an individual is not required to attend and successfully complete any additional initial training course prior to applying for an initial certificate if the required refresher training has been successfully completed within twenty-four (24) months of the initial and/or subsequent refresher course completed thereafter, as applicable. C. Refresher Training. (1) Each individual applying for a renewal certificate shall have attended and successfully completed (a) an applicable refresher training course as approved by the Commission or (b) a refresher training course offered outside the geographic boundaries of the State of Mississippi approved by EPA or a state program duly authorized by EPA for the discipline for which a renewal certificate is requested within one (1) year after the expiration date of the initial certificate or renewal certificate, as applicable. (2) If an individual fails to successfully complete a Commission-approved refresher training course or an EPA-approved refresher training course offered outside the geographic boundaries of the State of Mississippi for the discipline for which an application is requested within one (1) year after the expiration date of the initial certificate or renewal certificate, the individual shall complete all applicable requirements for an initial certificate to receive a renewal certificate. (3) The Commission may allow an individual to attend and complete an online refresher training course if: i. The course was conducted by MSU; ii. The course was conducted by a training provider approved by an EPA- approved state program for students residing outside the geographic boundaries of the State of Mississippi; or iii. The course is conducted by MSU or a training provider approved by an EPA-approved state program for certification of a the “worker” discipline. D. The Commission shall have authority to monitor and audit all initial and refresher training courses offered within the geographic boundaries of the State of Mississippi.